Quick Reference General Knowledge

373 Pages·2014·4.685 MB·English

by  Edgar Thorpe, Showick Thorpe

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‘General Knowledge-Quick Reference’ is a handy tool to
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knowledge. It not only gives a focused route to score N
high marks in a GK test but also as an effective O
revisionary material during pre-exam preparation. To W
add to its crisp structure for quick results, the material
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has been modeled based on 'frequently asked E
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questions'. Overall, the book equips candidates with
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basic general awareness required for their success in
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various competitive examinations.
Edgar Thorpe
Cover image: Cherkas. Shutterstock Showick Thorpe
Size :165x229mm Spine : 14mm ISBN : 9789332530317 Title Sub Title Edition Authors / Editors Name With CD Red Band Territory line URL Price mQuest
Copyright © 2014 Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Licensees of Pearson Education in South Asia
No part of this eBook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever
without the publisher’s prior written consent
This eBook may or may not include all assets that were part of the print version.
The publisher reserves the right to remove any material in this eBook at any time.
ISBN 978-93-325-3031-7
eISBN 978-93-325-3839-9
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Prelims.indd ii 6/5/2014 2:59:05 PM
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CONTENTS
Preface v
PART A
Chapter 1: Indian History 1
Chapter 2: Constitution of India and Indian Polity 32
Chapter 3: Indian Geography 54
Chapter 4: Indian Economy 80
Chapter 5: Indian Miscellanea 118
PART B
Chapter 6: Physical and World Geography 153
Chapter 7: International Organizations 184
PART C
Chapter 8: Everyday Science 199
Chapter 9: Physics 211
Chapter 10: Chemistry 234
Chapter 11: Life Science 256
Chapter 12: Computers and Information Technology 287
PART D
Chapter 13: Books and Authors 307
Chapter 14: Awards and Honours 319
Chapter 15: Sports and Games 323
Chapter 16: Miscellaneous Topics 333
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PREFACE
Quick Reference General Knowledge is a good revisionary tool that students will fi nd
handy for brushing up various important aspects of general knowledge prevalent in most
of competitive examinations. This product owes its existence to the need where students
need dense, focused and well-structured material which is quick and comprehensively
covers their preparation during the last days before the test.
Mostly students will fi nd that facts provided in the book allows them to answer a
potential question they might encounter in the actual test. It not only gives a focused route
to score high marks in a GK test but also very eff ective start-up material at the start of
preparation journey for an examination.
I have tried to bring up as many examinations where GK is a vital component as
I believe, someone with little time to prepare for general knowledge can use it and score
higher. To add to its crisp structure for quick results, it is important to keep in mind that
the material for various sections of this book has been modelled based on the type of
questions generally asked in the examinations. The book equips candidates with basic
general awareness required for their success in these examinations.
As I always say, any work of this nature could not have been attempted without
reference to the works of others. In the preparation of this book, I have had to constantly
consult numerous encyclopedias, dictionaries, yearbooks, atlases and textbooks on a
variety of subjects. I hereby acknowledge my indebtedness to all of them.
I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to my late father Edgar Thorpe and my
late mother Asha Thorpe without whose wholehearted support and inspiration, this book
would have never seen the light of the day. I am thankful to Pearson for allowing me to
keep my father’s name on the cover of this book. Besides I am especially grateful to my
brothers, Sunil Thorpe and Sanjay Thorpe, who have supported me in carrying forward
our father’s work. Last but not the least, my wife Vandana has been the most encouraging
and helpful in this exercise.
As the world changes at a very rapid pace, so do facts and fi gures. It would be an
endeavour to constantly revise each edition of this book in order to keep it as up-to-date
as possible. I hope students will appreciate the book and any comments/suggestions for
the development of the text would be most welcome.
Showick Thorpe
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PART A
CHAPTER
1 INDIAN HISTORY
MAJOR PERIODS OF INDIAN HISTORY
• Indian archaeology has divided Indian history into the following major periods:
Lower palaeolithic: 2 million years before present
Middle palaeolithic: 80,000 years approx.
Upper palaeolithic: 35,000 years approx.
Mesolothic: 12,000 years approx.
Neolithic, early agriculturists and pastoralists: 10,000 years approx.
Chalcolithic, fi rst use of copper: 6000 years approx.
Harappan civilization: 2600 bc
Megalithic burials, early iron: 1000 bc
Early historic: 600 bc to 400 ce
• There are wide variations in development in diff erent parts of the subcontinent.
ANCIENT INDIA
Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900 BC)
• One of the first great civilizations, with a writing system, urban centres and a
diversifi ed social and economic system, appeared approximately 2600 bc along the
Indus River Valley in Punjab and Sindh.
• The important sites connected with the Indus Valley civilization are Lothal near
Ahmedabad (Gujarat); Kalibangan (Rajasthan); Banwali (in district Hissar, in Haryana);
Ropar (Chandigarh, in Punjab); Mohenjodaro in Larkana district of Sind (now in
Pakistan) and Harappa in Montgomery district of Punjab (now in Pakistan).
• It covered more than 12,99,600 km2 from the borders of Baluchistan to the deserts of
Rajasthan, from the Himalayan foothills to the southern tip of Gujarat.
• Diff erent historians have proposed inclusive dates for the Indus Valley Civilization
(IVC) as Marshal (3250 to 2750 bc); Mackay (2800 to 2500 bc); DP Aggarwal (2300
to 1750 bc, used C-14 determination); Wheeler (2500–1700 bc); Dales (2900–1900 bc)
and MS Vats (3500 to 200 bc). (Publication division documents and NCERT estimates
it to be 2600 to 1900 bc.)
• Meluha was the ancient name given to the Indus region by the Mesopotamians.
• The dating system in various history books and documents is bc (Before Present or
Before Christ); bce (Before Common Era); ce (Common Era; for example, 2014 ce is
the year 2014 in present) and c. (circa meaning approximate).
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2 Chapter 1
• The region prior to the mature Harappan period had many archaeological cultures
with distinctive pottery, evidence of agriculture, some crafts and pastoralism; most
being small settlements with no large city.
• Harappans ate a wide range of plant and animal products including fi sh.
• Grains found at Harappan sites include wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea and sesame.
Millet was majorly found at Gujarat sites whereas rice is found rarely.
• Harappans had domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, goat, buff alo and pig. Bones of
wild animals included boar, deer and gharial.
• Most Harappan inscriptions were recorded on seals.
• Harappans were the earliest people to produce cotton.
• Harappan seals were most probably used in connection with trade. Mesopotamian
cylindrical seals and cuneiform inscriptions have been found in Mohenjo-Daro.
• Most Harappan sites are located in semi-arid lands where irrigation was probably
required for agriculture.
• Traces of canals are found at the Shortughai, a Harappan site in Afghanistan but none
in Sind or Punjab.
• Archaeological excavations at Indus valley sites show that houses had wells in
Kalibangan.
• Water reservoirs found in Dholavira (Gujarat) may have been used to store water for
agriculture.
• Stone implements were largely used by the Indus people but it is not known if they
used stone blades set in wooden handles or metal tools.
• The civilization seemed to have fl ourished at the maximum 1800 bc. Afterwards each
urban phase marked by systematic town planning, extensive brick work, art of writing,
use of bronze tools and red ware pottery painted with black designs practically
disappeared.
Harappan A rchaeology Timelines
Report of Alexander Cunninghan on Harappan Sear—1875
M. S. Vats starts excavations at Harappa—1921
Mohenjodaro excavations begins—1925
R. E. M. Wheeler excavates at Harappa—1946
S. R. Rao begins excavations at Lothal—1955
B. B. Lal and B. K. Thapar start excavations at Kalibangan—1960
M. R. Mughal starts explorations at Bahawalpur—1974
Surface exploration at Mohenjodaro (German and Italian team)—1980
Excavations by the US team at Harappan—1986
D holavira excavations by R. S. Bisht—1990
Vedic Period: The Aryans
Early Vedic Period (1500–1000 BC)
• ‘Aryan’, the word, is borrowed from the Sanskrit word ‘Arya’, meaning ‘a good family’.
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Indian History 3
• The Aryans were semi-nomadic, partly pastoral and partly agricultural people, from the
region around the Caspian Sea in Central Asia and came to India in around 1500 bc in
search of pastures through the passes in the Hindu Kush Mountains.
• On their way to India, Aryans fi rst appeared in Iran.
• They fi rst settled in Punjab and later moved eastwards and spread all over the Gangetic
plains.
• They are said to have been the originators of the Hindu civilization.
• Being lovers of nature, Aryans worshipped the sun, the water, the fi re, etc.
• Diff erent historians have proposed diff erent regions of their origin: B. G. Tilak (Arctic
region); Strzygovski (Greenland); T. J. Engelbrecht (Swedish Coastal region); Penka
(Scavandia); G. Kossina and H. Hirt (Central Germany); P. Giles (Danube valley);
J. De Morgan (Siberia); Adolf Pictet (Central Asia); Ganganath Jha, D. T. S. Trivedi,
L. D. Kala and A. C. Das (India); H. Peake, Gordon Childe and B. K. Ghosh (South
Russia).
• In the excavations at Boghazkoi in Asia Minor, which dates back to 1400 bc, inscriptions
are found containing the names of deities like Indira, Varuna and Nasatya.
• There were six religious books of the Aryans which reveal their beliefs, customs and culture.
1. The Vedas: There were four vedas, namely, (i) Rig Veda (1017 hymns in the form
of prayers to gods); (ii) Sama Veda (music); (iii) Yajur Veda (sacrifi ces, rituals and
formulae) and (iv) Atharva Veda (medicine)
2. The Upanishads: Source of Indian philosophy and theology
3. The Brahamanas: On the socio-political life of the Aryans
4. The Aranyakas: Forest books, treatises on mysticism and philosophy
5. Manu Smriti: Laws of inheritance, duties of the kings and his subjects
6. The Puranas: Religious and historical details of discourses on legends, rituals,
traditions and moral codes
• Concepts of Vedic Philosophy: (a) Atma (soul); (b) Karma (deeds); (c) Pap and punya
(sins and merits) and (d) Punarjanma (rebirth)
Later Vedic Period (1000–600 BC)
• More developed than the early Vedic period, the tiny tribal settlements were replaced
by strong kingdoms.
• There was a growth of big cities like Ayodhya, Indraprastha and Mathura.
• This was also called the Brahmanical age and came very close to the modern form of
Hinduism.
• The society was divided into four castes : Varnashrama (occupational, that which later
became hereditary)—(i) Brahmins (priestly class); (ii) Kshatriyas (military class);
(iii) Vaishyas (business or trading class) and (iv) Shudras (labour class)
• The Dravadians did no initiate and practice a social theory like the Aryan theory of
varnasharma. Social system of Dravidians (matriarchal) was in contradiction to that
of Aryans (patriarchas).
• The Epic Age: It was in the epic age that the Aryan tribes established themselves in
the whole of northern India. The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are the two great
epics of this period.
• The Rise of Brahmanism: During the later Vedic period, the observance of religion
was made very complicated with the addition of several rituals. Consequently, only
Brahmins could perform religious ceremonies.
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4 Chapter 1
• The Revolt Against Brahmanism: As Brahmins monopolized religion, the other castes
revolted against the Brahmanical exploitation.
Emergence of Kingdoms or Mahajanapadas
• From the sixth century bc, the widespread use of iron in eastern Uttar Pradesh and
Western Bihar facilitated the formation of large territorial states.
• Buddhist texts list the following 16 Mahajanapadas or major-janapadas as having been
in existence in the sixth century bc.
16 Mahajanapadas (C) → Capital
1. Magadha Kingdom (South Bihar) (C) Pataliputra
2. Anga and Vanga Kingdoms (East Bihar) (C) Champa
3. Malla Kingdom (Gorakhpur region) (C) Kushinagar
4. Chedi Kingdom (Yamuna and Narmada belt) (C) Tisvathirati
5. Vatsa Kingdom (Allahabad) (C) Kausambi
6. Kashi Kingdom (Banaras) (C) Varanasi
7. Kosala Kingdom (Ayodhya)—important town in Kosala
8. Vajji Kingdom (North Bihar) (C) Vajji; (R)
9. Kuru (Thaneswar, Meerut and present day Delhi) (C) Indraprastha; (R)
10. Panchala Kingdom (Uttar Pradesh) (C) Kampila; (R)
11. Matsya Kingdom (Jaipur) (C) Viratanagar; (R)
12. Surasena Kingdom (Mathura) (C) Mathura; (R)
13. Assaka Kingdom (Godavari) (C) Potali; (R)
14. Gandharva Kingdom (Peshawar and Rawalpindi) (C) Taxila; (R)
15. Kamboj Kingdom (North-east Kashmir) (C) Rajapure; (R)
1 6. Awanti Kingdom (Malwa) (C) Ujjain-north, Mahismati-south; (R)
• The Vedic philosophy lost its original purity as the Vedic religion became complex and
degenerated into superstitions and futile rituals causing wastage of time and resources.
Growth of Buddhism and Jainism (Sixth Century BC)
Buddhism
• Founded by Gautama Siddhartha (Kshatriya prince of the Saka clan), who left his
family at the age of 29 in search of truth and wandered for about 6 years.
• Gautama was born in 563 bc (or 576 bc as is believed by some historians) at Lumbini
(near Kapilvastu, capital of Saka republic) in Nepal.
• Gautama attained enlightenment under a pipal tree at Bodh Gaya, delivered his fi rst
sermon at Sarnath, spread his message for about 45 years and attained mahaparinirvana
at Kusinara (Kushinagar) in 483 bc (at age of 80).
• Five great events of Buddha’s life—Lotus and Bull (Birth); Horse (the great renunciation);
Bodhi tree or Pipal tree (Nirvana); Dharmavhakra or wheel (fi rst sermon) and Stupa
(Parinirvana or death).
• Buddhism received state patronage of kings such as Ashoka the Great and it spread to
neighbouring countries.
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Indian History 5
• Doctrine of Buddhism
1. The four great truths: (a) The world is full of sorrow and misery, (b) the cause
of all pain and misery is desire, (c) pain and misery can be ended by killing or
controlling desire and (d) desire can be controlled by following the eight-fold path.
2. Belief in Nirvana: When desire ceases, rebirth ceases and Nirvana is attained, that
is, freedom from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth is gained by following the
eight-fold path.
3. The eight-fold path consists of right faith, right thought, right action, right
livelihood, right eff ort, right speech, right remembrance and right concentration.
4. Belief in ahimsa.
5. Law of karma.
6. Existence of God.
• Buddhist Scriptures: The Vinaya Pitaka, The Sutta Pitaka, The Abhidhamma Pitaka,
The Khandhakas, The Udana, Milansapanha, Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, Digha Nikaya,
Majjihima Mikaya and Samutta Mikaya.
• Three types of Buddhist architecture are—(i) Stupa (for preserving the relics of
prominent monks); (ii) Chaitya (prayer halls) and (iii) Vihara (residence places).
• Famous Bhikhus During Buddha Era: Sariputta (possessed the profoundest insight
into the dhamma); Moggalana (has the greatest super natural powers); Ananda (the
devoted disciple and constant companion of Buddha); Mahakassapa (the President of
the Buddhist Council at Rajagriha); Anuruddha (master of right mindfulness); Uppali
(master of vinaya) and Rahul (the Buddha’s son).
• Buddhist Councils
1. First at Sattapanni cave near Rajagrihain 483 bc (compiled Dhamma Pitaka and
Vinaya Pitaka)
2. Second at Vaisali (383 bc) (split of the Buddhist into Sthaviravadins and
Mahasangikas).
3. Third at Patliputra in 326 bc (to revise the scriptures under Presidentship of
Moggliputta Tissa)
4. Fourth at Tambapanni in 29 bc (realization that majority of monks can no longer
retain entire Tripaka in their memories)
5. Fifth at Kaniska in Kashmir in 72 ad (resulted in division of Buddhists into
Mahayanists and Hinayanists)
• There were two 4th Buddhist Councils held by two diff erent sects.
• Sacred Buddhist Shrines: Eight Ashtamahasthanas (Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath,
Kushinagar, Sarasvati, Pajgriha, Vaishali and Sankasya) and other main centres [in
Andhra Pradesh (Amravati, Nagarjuna-konda); in Gujarat (Junagarh and Valabhi);
in Madhya Pradesh (Sanchi and Bharhut); in Maharashtra (Ajanta-Ellora); in Orissa
(Dhaularigi); in Uttar Pradesh (Kannauj, Kausambi and Mathura) and in West Bengal
(Somapuri and Jagadala)].
Jainism
• Jainism became the major religion under Vardhamana Mahavira who was the 24th
Tirthankara or prophet of Jainism.
• Vardhamana Mahavira was a great Kshatriya belonging to the royal family of Magadha.
• A non-Brahmanical religion like Buddhism founded by Rishabha, father of King
Bharata the fi rst Chakravartan of India.
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6 Chapter 1
• He was born in 540 bc at Kundagrama (Vaishali) in Bihar. At the age of 42, he attained
perfect knowledge—Kaivalya.
• He died at the age of 72 in 468 bc.
• Doctrine of Jainism
1. Attainment of Nirvana (release from rebirth) through TriRatna (three jewels)
consisting of (i) right faith (ii) right knowledge and (iii) right conduct.
2. Belief in ahimsa in word, thought or deed towards all living beings.
3. Belief in karma through denying the existence of God and dismissal of rituals.
• The two sects within Jainism are: The Swethambaras, followers of the 23rd Tirthankara
Parasvanatha, are fl exible in their approach and clad themselves in white garments.
The Digambaras, followers of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavira, are believers of rigid
penance, which can be attained by punishment to self and body; stress on nudity and
not allowed to use cloth to cover the body.
• Jain Councils the fi rst at Patliputra third century bc; [lost 14 Purvas (former texts)
were replaced by 12 new sections (Angas) but this was acceptable by Swethambaras
only while virtually rejected by Digambaras]. Second at Valabhi in the fi fth century ad
(12 new Angas and Upangas were fi nally compiled.)
• Jain Sacred Literature: Written in the form of Patrika called Arsha or Ardha Magadhi,
classifi ed into: 12 Angas, 12 Upangas, 10 Prakirnas, 6 Chhedasutras and 4 Mulsutras.
These are not confi ned to religious matters but also include poetics, Arthashastra and
Kamasastra, etc.
• Both Buddhism and Jainism declined with the rise of the Rajputs as a military force.
Muslim invasions in the eleventh and twelfth centuries also led to further disintegration.
• Most important teachers of the time besides Buddha and Mahavira were: Nigantha
Nataputta, Pakudha Kacchayana, Purana Kassapa, Sanjaya Belatthaputta Makkhali
Gosala, Ajita Kesakambali, etc.
• Among the important sects existing during that era were: Ajivika, Tedandikas,
Jatilaka, Munda savaka, Parivrajakas, Mangandikas, Gotamakas, etc.
Magadh Empire (Sixth Century—Fourth Century BC)
• By end of the sixth century bc, India’s north-west was integrated into the Persian
Achaemenid Empire and became one of its satrapies.
• This favourable geographical location enabled it to control the whole Gangetic
plain.
• From a small kingdom with capital Patliputra, it became a major power in north India,
embracing districts of Patna and Gaya in Bihar.
• Favourable geographical location, rich alluvial soil, close vicinity and control over
copper and iron ore deposits helped Bimbisara, its fi rst ruler, to acquire great wealth
and strength, who later built a new capital Rajagriha (near Patna).
• Notable Rulers of Magadha: Bimbisara (545–493 bc); Ajatshatru (492–460 bc);
Udayan (460–444 bc); Haryanka Kings (462–430/413 bc); Shishunaga Dynasty
(430/413–364 bc) and The Nanda (364/345–324 bc).
• The fi rst phase of expansion and consolidation of the Magdh empire was over by the
reign of Mahapadma Nanda.
• Bhadrasala Nanda, the last Nanda ruler was defeated by Chandragupta Maurya.
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